Image © tajai/Creative Commons
For Southeast Asia's formidable Indian Hindu population, tomorrow's celebration of the feast of Thaipusam marks one of the most important days in their religious calendar. The day marks the birthday of the Lord Murugan, on the full moon of the Tamil month of Thai (Thai + Pusam, a star at its apogee = Thaipusam).
Malaysian newspaper The Star Online reports temple committee member Rivehemanda Batu Malai's prediction of 1.5 million visitors for the big day itself. "The crowd has been coming in non-stop since Saturday evening," says Mr. Rivehemanda.
The visitors will climb up 272 steps to the Sri Subramania Swamy temple in the mountainside. Devotees who feel especially blessed by Lord Murugan will repay his bounty by bearing kavadis - weighted religious artifacts weighing up to 30 pounds - all the way up to the temple. Kavadi-bearers claim to feel no pain during the ordeal.
Elderly and handicapped devotees have been so far unable to join the procession, but next year, they may just be able to - a company has announced the construction of a cable car, possibly in time for Thaipusam next year.
To find out more about Thaipusam, read this article: Thaipusam Celebrations in Southeast Asia. You can also visit Singapore or Batu Caves in Selangor, Malaysia on February 7 to see the festivities.